call for nominations

Notice of Call for Nominations – Band Council By-Election

Posted by Qalipu on

Opening Friday, May 22, 2026 at 8:00am and closing on Monday, June 1, 2026 at 8:00pm.

In accordance with the Custom Rules Governing Qalipu Mi’kmaq First Nation Band Elections, nominations are invited for the position of Benoit’s Cove Ward Councillor.

Nomination forms are available for printable download here or below at:

  • By contacting the Electoral Officer, Berty Leamon, at 709-640-6007 or by email at returningofficer@qalipu.ca
  • Pick up at the Qalipu First Nation Office – 3 Church Street, Corner Brook

Nomination papers are to be submitted with a non-refundable fee of $25.00 in the form of money order, band draft, cheque or cash.

Completed nomination forms and fee must be returned and in the possession of:

Qalipu First Nation
3 Church Street
Corner Brook, NL A2H 2Z4

No later than 8:00pm on the 1st day of June 2026.

and will be considered filed with the Electoral Officer for the purpose of the Band By-Election during the voting window, opening June 12, 2026 at 8:00am through to June 19, 2026 at 8:00pm.

Eligibility for Nomination

To be eligible for nomination, an individual must be a member of the QFN Benoit’s Cove Electoral Ward and be 18 years of age on or before June 19, 2026. Individuals do not need to currently reside within the ward to be eligible for nomination. Members who live outside the region or province may still be nominated provided they are registered in the QFN Benoit’s Cove Ward as their last place of residence.

For clarification or confirmation of eligibility, individuals may contact the Electoral Officer, the Indian Registration Administrators by phone at 709-634-8675 or 709-634-4010 or by email at profile@qalipu.ca or visit the Band Office in person at 3 Church Street, Corner Brook.

Members can view the Electoral Voters List at any Qalipu First Nation Office or on the Election Hub to confirm their eligibility of candidacy. All information pertaining to the Qalipu First Nation By-Election can be found here: https://qalipu.ca/qalipu-election-hub/

Berty Leamon
Electoral Officer
E: returningofficer@qalipu.ca
T: 709-640-6007

May 15

Message from Chief Jenny – May 15, 2026

Posted by Qalipu on

Education is a powerful tool for advancing ourselves and our communities. With the school year coming to an end, graduations have begun. This week, I was fortunate to attend the Grenfell Campus Convocation. It is always inspiring to witness our students reach their goals as they walk across the stage to receive their diplomas. The icing on the cake is knowing that our Nation was able to offer support along the way. We are proud to invest nearly twelve million dollars each year in our future generations.

Next week, Qalipu First Nation will be signing a Memorandum of Understanding with Academy Canada, one of the post-secondary institutions in the province that we work closely with. The agreement will set out a framework that will lead to transformative pathways to inclusive education.

Our relationships with our education systems are extremely important to us. We are committed to ensuring that our students have culturally appropriate learning experiences that reflect the truth of the past and create opportunities for a brighter future.

We rise through learning, not alone, but lifted by all those who dreamed of these moments long before us. We congratulate this year’s graduates and thank the educators whose guidance made their achievements possible.

 

Meeting of Chief and Council

Meeting of Chief and Council

Posted by Qalipu on

The next meeting of Chief and Council is scheduled for Saturday, May 30, 2026, at 10:00 a.m.

In a historic first in the fourteen-year history of Chief and Council meetings, this meeting will be held in St. John’s to provide greater access for members residing in St. John’s and surrounding areas. We are pleased to hold a meeting in the farthest eastern region of Ktaqmkuk. The meeting will take place in Suite 301, 140 Kelsey Drive, St. John’s.

Registration is required to attend the meeting in person. Members wishing to attend must register in advance. The deadline to register is Friday, May 22, 2026.

Members wishing to attend can contact Natasha or Amanda:
Natasha – 709-634-6895 | nwhite@qalipu.ca
Amanda – 709-634-5111 | amanda.gaudett@qalipu.ca

Please note that delays in the meeting start time may occur. We kindly ask for your patience and understanding.

Members can view the meeting livestream by logging into their KINU membership profile: https://qalipu.ca/login-options/

Original Chief Message Template (22.498 x 11.249 in) - May 8

Message from Chief Jenny – May 8, 2026

Posted by Qalipu on

This week, I joined a delegation representing Newdock, Qalipu First Nation, Membertou First Nation, Horizon Naval Engineering, and Genoa Design International in Ottawa to advance discussions with federal departments, agencies, ministers, and Members of Parliament regarding Project Oqwatn (Ohk-wah-den), meaning ‘North’, our expansion plan for Newdock.

This visit strengthened national awareness of our dockyard’s importance to both Canada and Newfoundland and Labrador. Federal departments clearly recognize the growing pressure on east coast marine infrastructure as both naval and Coast Guard fleets grow. Project Oqwatn positions our province to meet those demands while creating long-term economic benefit here at home.

Canada’s Coast Guard and Navy are expanding their fleets to support Arctic sovereignty. These larger, longer vessels require places to berth for emergency repairs, maintenance, and vessel life extension. With a recognized shortage of ship repair facilities across the country, Newdock stands ready to help meet that national need.

Newdock is 95% Indigenous-owned, making it a key asset in fulfilling Canada’s commitment to Indigenous economic reconciliation. It demonstrates how Newfoundland and Labrador can lead the country in building strong, future-focused Indigenous partnerships in the marine and defence sectors.

For our province, the expansion of Newdock means high value jobs that align with Canada’s apprenticeship targets and the expanded capacity to support major provincial initiatives such as Bull Arm and Churchill Falls, among others.

We look forward to further discussions with both the Provincial and Federal governments so that we can collectively meet the needs of a nation that looks increasingly to its oceans for security, prosperity, and sovereignty. Project Oqwatn is more than an expansion: It is a statement of confidence in Newfoundland and Labrador, in Indigenous economic leadership, and in Canada’s ability to invest in and strengthen its marine capacity.

The word NEWS written in vintage wooden letterpress type in a wooden type drawer.

Land Camp Registration is Open!

Posted by Qalipu on

Land Camp 2026

Qalipu First Nation is excited to offer Land Camps across Western and Central regions this summer. These camps provide a wonderful opportunity for youth to connect with the land, culture, and community.

Camp Dates:

  • Western Region
    • Corner Brook July 6–9 ** FULL
    • Port au Port: July 13–16
    • Benoit’s Cove: July 27–30 ** FULL
    • Stephenville Crossing: August 10–13
  • Central Region
    • Gander: July 20–23
    • Glenwood: August 3–6

Register here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/QZJLB7J

Additional pop-up camp offerings may be added in locations throughout the Central Region with details shared as they are confirmed. If you are interested in a pop-up in your area, let us know!

Please note: Staff will reach out to follow up on the form. Registration is only confirmed once all required documents have been completed and submitted. A confirmation email will be sent once finalized.

Questions? Contact Bethann Janes at 709-634-9166 or bjanes@qalipu.ca

May 1 (1)

Message from Chief Jenny – May 1, 2026

Posted by Qalipu on

This week, I want to share an update on the MSC Baltic III, which remains grounded in Cedar Cove. Over the winter, our region experienced challenging weather and heavy ice, creating difficult conditions in the area. As we move into spring and the fishing season begins, we recognize that the waters around Little Port and Cedar Cove will become increasingly active.

Our leadership team has been in ongoing discussions with MSC to ensure that the priorities of our communities and members remain central as planning continues, with a focus on safety, environmental responsibility, and meaningful local involvement. Companies undertaking work in our communities must go beyond consultation and genuinely engage with our Nation—understanding community priorities, creating opportunities for our involvement, and ensuring that local knowledge and participation guide how work is planned and carried out. We will hold every company to this standard on our territory.

As has been reported in the media, the next steps of the wreck removal process are now moving forward. Our shared goal is a safe and successful operation, where all parties work together respectfully to ensure the vessel is removed safely and efficiently.

For over a year, our communities have lived with this situation, and we have heard your concerns every step of the way. Your Nation has constantly brought those forward at every meeting and opportunity. Through our persistence and with your support, recent discussions have led to clearer progress and movement into the next phase of work. We are encouraged by the constructive working relationship taking shape and remain hopeful that this collaboration will continue to support timely progress and deliver direct benefits to our communities, both through this work and into the future.

We also encourage cooperation throughout this process and are optimistic that opportunities will arise for our members to participate and gain employment as part of the work. As always, we will remain engaged and continue to advocate for the interests of our communities as this work moves forward.

 

Pathways to Homeownership (1)

Qalipu First Nation Launches ‘Pathways to Homeownership’ First-Time Homebuyers Program

Posted by Qalipu on

Qalipu First Nation’s Housing Division is pleased to announce the launch of the Pathways to Homeownership: First-Time Homebuyers Program.

This program provides financial assistance to eligible first-time homebuyers to support down payments, with the goal of making homeownership more accessible while promoting long-term housing stability and stronger community connections.

The application period is between 1 May 2026 and 31 October 2026. Applications will be processed by the selection committee, on a rolling basis, while funding remains available. Applicants MUST submit a complete application, including all required supporting documentation, by 31 October 2026.

It is strongly recommended that applicants review the application thoroughly to ensure that all required documents are included. Incomplete applications will not be considered. To be eligible for funding, applicants must:

  • be a member of Qalipu First Nation. * be between 19–39 years of age.
  • be a first-time homebuyer.
  • have a combined annual household net income must be below $150,000.00.
  • be pre-approved for a mortgage through a recognized lender.
  • provide a signed affidavit confirming this is his/her first time purchasing a home and a tax assessment.
  • currently reside within Atlantic Canada.
  • intend to purchase a home within Atlantic Canada.
  • not intend to purchase a home through a “rent-to-own” agreement.

Applications can be found here, and below. If you have any questions or require assistance with your application, please contact the Housing Division at housingproject@qalipu.ca or 1-709-634-0996.

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meal reimbursement + claim instructions (1)

NIHB Meal Reimbursement Rate Increase & Claim Instructions

Posted by Qalipu on

The Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) Program, through Indigenous Services Canada (ISC), has updated its commercial meal allowance rates under the Medical Transportation Program. These new rates are effective April 1, 2026, until further notice, and apply to meals purchased at restaurants. All amounts include applicable taxes.

Please note: Meal allowances are not automatically provided for all travel. Eligibility depends on travel time, medical appointment details, and prior approval requirements where applicable.

Age Group Breakfast Lunch Dinner Maximum Daily Total
Ages 3 to Adult $19 $19 $38 $76
Infants & Toddlers (0–3 years) $9.50 $9.50 $19 $38

 

Other reimbursement rates have not changed and are listed as follows:

  • Private vehicle travel: $0.28/km
  • Hotel accommodations: up to $160/night
  • Private accommodation: $13.50

Submitting Your Reimbursement

To claim your eligible meal and travel expenses:

  1. Complete the NIHB Medical Transportation Client Reimbursement Form.
  2. Include receipts for travel. Gas and meal receipts are not required.
  3. Submit your form and receipts:
    • By email (preferred):
      1. Send your completed form and receipts to mtreimbursement@qalipu.ca.
      2. Submit your documents as a PDF. Files in other formats, such as photos, screenshots, or Word documents, may not be processed and could be returned.
    • In person: Drop off paper copies at Qalipu First Nation offices in Corner Brook, Stephenville, Grand Falls-Windsor, or Glenwood.

Get Faster Payments with EFT
Members should also sign up for direct deposit (EFT) payment. EFT payments are faster and more secure than mailed cheques.

Click here to submit an EFT form: Non Insured Health Benefits Direct Deposit Form

Click here for the NIHB Medical Transportation Client Reimbursement Form: NIHB Medical Transportation Client Reimbursement Form
Updated Medical Transportation Program Fact Sheet

This fact sheet explains how to submit claims, what expenses are covered, pre-approval requirements, submission options (email, mail, or in person), EFT sign-up, eligibility, and time limits.

Click here to view the fact sheet: Non-Insured Health Benefits Medical Transportation Fact Sheet

April 24

Message from Chief Jenny – April 24, 2026

Posted by Qalipu on

Earth Week offers an important moment to reflect on our shared responsibility to honour and protect Mother Earth, our home. It felt especially meaningful that this week, members of our team and I had the opportunity to attend the 58th National Congress on Housing and Homelessness in St. John’s.

I was invited to participate by Regional Chief Mitchell as he is the Assembly of First Nations portfolio holder for Housing, Homelessness, and Infrastructure. Chief Mitchell continues to be deeply engaged in addressing housing challenges facing First Nations communities across the country.

These national conversations give us the space to share the realities and priorities of our communities while learning from innovative approaches emerging in other regions. We also connected with our provincial partners to reaffirm our shared commitment to increasing housing across the island. We are stronger when we build together.

Housing is connected to everything, health, language, ceremony, family, and community identity. This gathering brought together housing leaders and community partners from across Canada, all united in ensuring safe, affordable, and sustainable housing for the people we serve.

The focus on sustainability felt especially significant during Earth Week, reminding us that housing solutions must not only meet the needs of our people but also respect and protect the lands and waters that sustain us.

Our team is committed to advocating for affordable, accessible housing solutions that reflect the needs of our people, and to advancing approaches that honour our responsibility to care for Mother Earth for generations to come.

Housing & Homelessness